A new documentary titled “Shared Waters” is set to examine the decades-long battle to protect water quality in the Kootenai River, focusing on the leadership of Indigenous nations against pollution from mountaintop coal mines across the border. The film, produced by the Idaho Conservation League, chronicles how selenium and other contaminants have flowed from five active mines in the Canadian Rocky Mountains into the Elk River Valley, Koocanusa Reservoir, and eventually into waters shared by Montana, Idaho, and British Columbia.
The release of the film coincides with a significant development in transboundary water management. A draft report addressing the pollution crisis is scheduled for public review at the end of September. This document marks a historic shift in how the Boundary Waters Treaty of 1909 is being implemented, as Indigenous governments are now seated at negotiation tables alongside federal, provincial, and state officials for the first time in the treaty’s history.
A Legacy of Tribal Resilience
The documentary opens with Gary Aitken Jr., Vice Chairman of the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho, framing the current environmental struggle within a broader context of tribal survival and sovereignty. Aitken’s family history is central to the tribe’s modern standing; his grandmother served as chairwoman in 1974 when the tribe declared what she described as a “war” on the United States government.
At that time, the Kootenai Tribe had fewer than 70 members and lacked basic services. Through what is known as a “war of the pen”—a rigorous legal and legislative campaign—the tribe secured its reservation status and access to essential federal services. That foundational victory paved the way for the tribe’s current role as a steward of the Kootenai River ecosystem.
Aitken noted that the tribe has invested hundreds of millions of dollars over several decades to restore habitat along the river. These efforts have yielded measurable results in fish populations, demonstrating that sustained local investment can reverse environmental damage even when upstream threats persist.
The Selenium Threat and Sturgeon Recovery
The primary environmental concern documented in the film is selenium contamination. Selenium is a toxic element for aquatic life at elevated concentrations, and runoff from the coal mines has threatened water quality, fisheries, and tribal cultural resources for generations. The proposed Fording River Mine Extension by Glencore, which would expand mining operations and remove Castle Mountain, has intensified concerns about further degradation of the watershed.
The Kootenai Tribe has implemented hatchery programs to combat these threats, most notably with the endangered Kootenai River white sturgeon. These large fish spend approximately 30 years in Kootenay Lake before returning to the Idaho portion of the river. They are particularly susceptible to reproduction failure caused by selenium pollution, making their recovery a critical indicator of river health.
The film highlights that these sturgeon are finally beginning to return to Idaho waters after decades of absence. Additionally, burbot populations, which were once functionally extirpated from the river, have recovered sufficiently to support both tribal subsistence harvesting and recreational fishing. These successes underscore the tribe’s long-term commitment to ecological restoration despite ongoing upstream pressures.
Treaty Enforcement and Public Review
The Boundary Waters Treaty of 1909 was designed to prevent disputes between the United States and Canada over transboundary waters. For more than a century, negotiations were conducted exclusively between government bodies. The inclusion of Indigenous governments in the current talks represents a structural change in how environmental responsibilities are assigned under the treaty.
The draft report due in late September will be available for public comment, offering residents of Bonner County and throughout the Panhandle an opportunity to weigh in on proposed solutions. This process is part of a broader effort to enforce stricter standards on mining operations that impact shared water resources.
For Idaho communities dependent on the Kootenai River for tourism, fishing, and cultural heritage, the outcome of these negotiations could have lasting economic and environmental implications. The film serves as an educational tool, illustrating how local tribes have leveraged legal frameworks to protect natural resources that extend beyond political borders.
Film Premiere and Local Screenings
“Shared Waters: Ktunaxa and the Coal Mines” is scheduled for its premiere on September 16 at the Roxy Theater in Missoula, Montana. Following the debut, a screening is planned for Sandpoint, Idaho, allowing local audiences to view the documentary closer to home.
The timing of the release aligns with heightened attention to regional environmental challenges. Recent wildfires in the region, such as those documented in Montana Wildfires Expand as Lightning Strikes Spark Multiple New Blazes, have reminded residents of the fragility of the Northern Rockies ecosystem. Additionally, federal policy shifts, including moves to lift long-standing bans on logging and road construction on federal forest acres, have sparked debate over land management priorities in Idaho and Montana.
While local incidents like a recent grass fire near Medical Lake contained quickly by crews highlight the effectiveness of immediate emergency response, the Kootenai River issue represents a slower-moving, systemic challenge. It requires coordinated policy action rather than just incident management.
What Comes Next
The public review period for the draft report beginning in late September will likely draw submissions from environmental groups, tribal representatives, industry stakeholders, and individual residents. The Kootenai Tribe of Idaho continues to advocate for enforceable limits on selenium discharge, arguing that current standards have failed to protect sensitive species like white sturgeon.
If the proposed solutions are adopted, they could set a precedent for how transboundary pollution is handled under the Boundary Waters Treaty. For Bonner County, this means potential long-term benefits for water quality and fishery health. However, enforcement will remain a challenge, requiring ongoing monitoring and diplomatic pressure on Canadian mining operations.
As the film travels to Sandpoint, it offers a narrative that connects historical tribal resilience with modern environmental science. The story of the Kootenai River is not just about pollution control; it is about sovereignty, stewardship, and the enduring impact of upstream decisions on downstream communities.